Tourism resorts along the Kenyan coastline could soon be washed away as the effects of climate change begin to bite.

It has also emerged that the centuries-old Vasco da Gama pillar at Malindi, a world famous tourist attraction, is threatened by the climate change phenomenon, assistant minister for Tourism Cecily Mbarire said on Sunday.

She said the Kenyan coast is increasingly becoming vulnerable as water levels rise due to global warming. Ms Mbarire was speaking at an event to mark the end of World Tourism Week in Malindi.

The assistant minister cautioned against unplanned construction within the 30-metre riparian area, saying it could have disastrous results on tourism when the sea reclaims those areas.

Small jobs

She also said foreigners should not take up small jobs that can easily be done by locals.

"I want the council to prepare reports on haphazard construction and small jobs taken by foreigners. We have to stop this," she said.

Ms Mbarire expressed concern that most MPs were ignorant about the global warming and climate change phenomenon and proposed that a programme be launched to educate them on the dangers.

Malindi mayor Mohammed Menza said motorcycle taxis contributed to global warming by emitting too much smoke and noise, and he would invite operators to discuss the issue and come up with ways to reduce emissions.

Harassing locals

He accused the Tourist Police Unit (TPU) of harassing locals who ventured onto the beach, saying the officers should concentrate eradicating crime.

"The TPU officers are notorious for arresting and harassing innocent citizens. They should stop this and instead concentrate on fighting crime," the mayor said.